Govt gets down to the task of working out a Bill to protect indigenous people
Five member committee to draft Bill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 21 2015 : The State Government has constituted a five-member committee for drafting a Bill for protection of indigenous people of Manipur.

A Cabinet meeting held this afternoon adopted a resolution towards this effect.

Law and Legislative Affairs Minister Th Debendra is the chairman of the committee while Special Secretary (Home) M Yaiskul is the convenor, according to an order issued by the Home Department today.

The other members of the Committee are Manipur Pollution Control Board Chairman Dr Ng Bijoy, MLA N Biren and MLA RK Anand.

The four MLAs who are in the committee : Th Debendra, Dr Ng Bijoy, N Biren and RK Anand

The committee may co-opt representatives of JCILPS as members and it should submit a draft Bill at the earliest so that the State Government may introduce the Bill in the Manipur Legislative Assembly within a month, said the order.

Meanwhile, the State Cabinet has endorsed the decision of the Congress Legislature Party to institute a Judicial enquiry into the death of Sapam Robinhood (16) s/o S Romesh of Keishamthong Thangjam Leirak, then residing at his mother's home at Khurai Lairik Yengbam Leikai, Imphal East district under Porompat police station.

Robinhood was staying in Class-XI (Science) at Ananda Singh Academy, Nongmeibung.

Special Secretary (Home) M Yaiskul has issued an order to this effect today.

Speaking to media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that the committee would start drafting a Bill from tomorrow and they would submit a draft Bill to the Government within 30 days before it is tabled before the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Appointment of a Judge who would enquire into the death of Robinhood would also be expedited.

Claiming that most of the prerequisites for drafting a new Bill have been fulfilled by the Government, Gaikhangam appealed to the JCILPS to take part in drafting the Bill in public interest.

While conveying solidarity to the bereaved family of Robinhood, Gaikhangam appealed to all concerned to let the family perform the last rites of the deceased student.

Rumours have been doing the round that police would bring and place the corpse of Robinhood at his home.

But the Government has no intention to indulge in such mindless and forcible acts, Gaikhangam clarified.

If necessary, the Government would invite JCILPS for a second time, stated that Deputy Chief Minister while exuding confidence that the Government would receive a positive response this time.